Ternary nitride GaFe₃N: Study of the structural and glassy magnetic properties at low temperatures

Abstract

In ternary nitrides, the Ga0.9Fe3.1N sample has ultimately been prepared through solid‐gas preparation for the gallium‐richest phase GaFe3N. The substitution of gallium atoms for iron atoms weakens the saturation magnetization of ferromagnetic γʹ‐Fe4N and induces the transmission from ferromagnetism to antiferromagnetism. A new magnetic behavior, defined as the spin glassy magnetic state, has been observed in the temperature‐dependent magnetic performance measurement process for Ga0.9Fe3.1N. The magnetic competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic Fe–Fe bonds will lead to the spin frustration of the magnetic system. And even the positional disorders caused by substitution, will all be responsible for the spin glassy behavior in Ga0.9Fe3.1N.